Sarajevo Cathedral (Cathedral of Jesus's Heart)

The Sarajevo Cathedral (Cathedral of Jesus's Heart) stands on Trg fra Grge Martića in the centre of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is the largest Catholic church in the country and seat of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna. It was built between 1884 and 1889 during Austro-Hungarian rule to designs by the architect Josip Vancaš, in a neo-Gothic style modelled on the cathedrals of Central Europe, with a pale stone facade, a rose window and two tall towers. Visitors enter a high nave with ribbed vaults, stained-glass windows, side chapels and a main altar, and see statues, a wooden pulpit and a memorial to Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass in Sarajevo during his 1997 visit. The cathedral is an active church, so visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered and keep quiet during Mass. A visit takes 20 to 30 minutes. The best photo angles are of the facade from the square, which is lined with cafés, and of the nave from the back looking toward the altar. Mornings outside Mass times are calm, and the building is usually open daily between roughly 8AM and 6PM. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. The cathedral sits at the western end of the Ferhadija pedestrian street, about four minutes' walk from Baščaršija, and nearby are the Orthodox Cathedral and the Old Orthodox Church, showing the city's mixed religious heritage. Midday is the busiest time with tour groups, while Sunday morning is reserved for services and visits are restricted.